Are you searching for the best orthodontic care in Central Florida?
You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to orthodontic care in Central Florida. We want to make the choice easier for you. Beauchamp Orthodontics is the family-friendly Port Orange orthodontist that the whole family will love. Our practice has been intentionally designed to provide quality, convenience, and fun!
Many people go online to get the facts before their first orthodontic treatment or even before they talk to an orthodontist about their needs. Doing a little research is a wonderful idea – the more you know, the more you can feel confident. And that’s just as true for little ones as it is for adults.
Whether you are looking for orthodontic information for yourself or someone you love, some orthodontic questions are more common than others. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about orthodontic treatment in Central Florida:
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment in Central Florida
Q: “Do braces hurt?”
This is the biggest question on the minds of many of our younger patients. Fear not – braces don’t hurt!
When you first get your braces, there’s a brief adjustment period. For the next three days or so, you might see that your gums are a little bit sensitive. They could be inflamed (red). It might be a little bit uncomfortable to eat at first, but this should fade away within one week. After that, there should be no discomfort at all.
If adjustment lasts for longer than a week or you notice bleeding of the gums, let your orthodontist know right away. Your braces might not fit exactly the way they should. Once the fit of your braces is right, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.
Q: “Are there alternatives to traditional braces?”
Metal braces are the most common orthodontic treatment in the world. They work really well!
But there are several alternatives. First is our own “small form factor” metal braces. These use all of the same principles and materials as regular braces, but they are much smaller. They’re a lot less noticeable than older braces but work just as well. Also, all patients who need braces qualify for these.
Invisalign® is the “clear alternative” to ordinary braces for older teens and adults. The Invisalign® brand led a revolution as the first clear plastic aligner brand to be FDA approved in the United States. Unlike braces, these aligners can be removed whenever you need to – for cleaning, eating, or playing sports. When worn, they’re incredibly subtle!
Spark™ Clear Aligners are a newer alternative preferred by some patients. These aligners can also be removed. They use sophisticated new materials that some people feel are even harder to notice than Invisalign®. Not all patients can qualify for clear plastic aligners, but those who do love them!
Q: “How old should my child be before I bring them?”
A child should see a trusted family orthodontist for the first time around the age of seven or eight. At this age, kids still have many of their “baby teeth.” However, an orthodontist can spot issues with tooth alignment and crowding at this point. With early orthodontic treatment, it’s easier for the permanent teeth to come in.
Getting an early start on orthodontic treatment has major benefits for some kids. For example, they might need to use palate expanders to ensure there’s enough space for their permanent teeth. This is called two-phase orthodontic treatment and helps make teeth stronger, healthier, and easier to care for later on.
Q: “Am I too old for braces?”
Believe it or not, you’re never too old for braces!
Four million Americans use braces at any given time, and about a quarter of those are adults! As long as you have teeth, you never lose the ability to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Although only conventional metal braces can treat the most serious orthodontic issues, most adults do qualify for Invisalign®.
Once you get started, there are no major differences in the type of orthodontic treatment or the ultimate outcome for most adults as compared to kids or teens. One caveat: Kids do tend to get faster results than patients who are a little bit older. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be wearing braces for a long time, either.
Some kids might be done with their braces in as little as a few months, but it still takes 1-2 years for most younger patients to finish. For adults, that could be extended to 2-3 years depending on your condition.
Luckily, you won’t have to wait very long to start seeing your results in the mirror. And if you decide on clear plastic aligners like most adult patients, it’ll be even easier for you to notice – while most people might not realize you’re wearing any orthodontic appliance at all. Shh … it’ll be our secret!
Q: “What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?”
Dentists and orthodontists work hand in hand to keep your teeth and gums healthy!
Your dentist is your go-to expert when it comes to the general health of your teeth, especially treating dental cavities. On the other hand, an orthodontist specializes in the alignment of teeth. Orthodontists and dentists often notice issues they refer to the other, so it’s important to have both on your care team!
Preventive dental care (cleanings) and cavity treatment (fillings) are the most common reasons to see your dentist, which you’ll usually do twice a year. Orthodontists are best known for braces. Once you have your braces, you’ll get a personalized schedule of follow-up appointments.
Q: “Does it matter if my orthodontist is board-certified or not?”
In a word, yes!
All orthodontists are licensed, but not all of them are board-certified. Board-certified means an orthodontist has gone above and beyond with additional training to prove they really offer “the best of the best” in orthodontic care. This includes a variety of challenging tests and practical exams the orthodontist has to pass.
After passing, the story isn’t over. To stay board-certified, they’ll have to prove their skills on a regular basis. They often contribute to cutting-edge orthodontic research, too! In the long run, it makes a big difference.
Do You Have More Questions About Orthodontic Care? Dr. Beauchamp Is Here to Help
Sometimes, the best way to get the information you need is to get the facts directly from an expert. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Marielle Beauchamp is always glad to help. With a free, no-obligation orthodontic consultation, you’ll learn about your treatment options. The next step is completely up to you!
Whether your consultation is for you or your child, it can take as little as an hour from start to finish. If you decide to go forward with braces, you may be able to get your treatment started the very same day with our unique same-day braces. That saves time and puts a smile on everybody’s faces!
To begin, schedule your complimentary consultation online. We look forward to meeting you soon!
